Workshop on Digital Innovation in Nuclear: Unleashing the Power of AI
PROGRAMME
Part 1: Technology Aspects of AI in the Nuclear Sector

8:30-8:35

Opening Remarks

Diane Cameron, Head of Division, Nuclear Energy Agency

8:35-9:00

Keynote 1: What is AI? What are its best uses?

This keynote will set the scene for the rest of the workshop, providing a clear definition of AI and discussing where its use is most effective. Participants should not embark on the AI journey driven by the overall hype, but rather assess their needs and tailor AI to their specific applications.

Dr Nelli Babayan, AI Director, US Federal Civilian, Microsoft

9:00-10:00

Session 1: Using AI to accelerate the Deployment of Nuclear Power

This session will offer an overview of current and future use cases of AI in the nuclear sector. It should allow participants to understand where the industry stands today. The session will also explore the potential impacts of AI applications on workforce needs and gather the views of newcomer nuclear countries who may see AI as an opportunity to accelerate deployment.

MODERATOR: Sonia Iqbal, Programme Manager, SMR Programme, CANDU Owners Group

SPEAKERS:

  • Mohammad Movassat, Senior Manager, Data Analytics, Ontario Power Generation 
  • Matt Hall, Senior Director of Strategic Projects, Evergy 
  • Ben Cameron, Staff - Level II, EPRI 

10:00-10:30

Break

10:30-11:30

Session 2: Rethinking Nuclear Applications around AI

AI presents a great opportunity to rethink current processes so that a higher level of automation and performance can be reached. In this session, the opportunities and challenges of replacing and/or enhancing human roles with AI will be assessed, as well as the potential benefits of combining AI with other digital technologies such as robotics and quantum computing.

MODERATOR: Dr Hogeon Seo, Senior Researcher, Applied Artificial Intelligence Section, KAERI

SPEAKERS:

  • Bharath Nangia, CEO, NPX 
  • Craig Stover, Senior Program Manager, Advanced Nuclear Technology, EPRI 
  • Professor Nawal K. Prinja, Technology Director, Jacobs 
  • Brian Mori, Ontario Power Generation

11:30-12:00

Hands on Experience

Professor Nawal K. Prinja, Technology Director, Jacobs 

12:00-13:30

Lunch break

Part 2: Enabling the Adoption of AI in the Nuclear Sector

13:30-14:00

Keynote 2: How Can AI Profoundly Transform Industries?

This keynote will highlight the opportunities that come with AI for process innovation and organisational change. These dimensions are at the center of every digital transformation and are key conditions for success. Ideally, this keynote could be delivered by a leader from a non-nuclear sector to serve as an inspiration.

SPEAKER: Elbert Van Der Bijl, Director of Marketing & Solutions Consulting, Yokogawa Corporation of America

14:00-15:00

Session 3: Changing Organisations with AI: from Data Management to Cultural Shift

Building on the keynote, this session will delve into the organisational aspects to consider when reshaping companies with AI, particularly within the nuclear sector. AI applications rely on data that, if not adequately managed, may lead to undesirable outcomes. The use of AI also introduces new ways of working that require new physical infrastructures and mindsets, which may positively impact performance and encourage innovative thinking.

MODERATOR: Professor Nawal K. Prinja, Technology Director, Jacobs 

SPEAKERS:

  • Dr Andreas Korinek, Director, Science & Technology Strategy & Collaborations, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
  • Vivek Agarwal, PhD Distinguished Staff Scientist and Senior Manager Advanced Reactor Technology & Design Department, Idaho National Laboratory 
  • Dr Nelli Babayan, AI Director, US Federal Civilian, Microsoft

15:00-15:30

Break

15:30-16:45

Session 4: Regulating AI: Opportunities and Challenges

Today, AI remains a largely unregulated domain. While potential risks are recognised, ill-designed regulations can also undermine the wave of innovation and progress. The fact that technology and regulations are advancing concurrently brings opportunities to create more enabling regulation for the nuclear sector. International sandboxing also offers a safe space for regulators and industry to perform pilot projects, build first guidelines, and define regulatory roadmap needs.

MODERATOR: Majdi Radaideh, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan

SPEAKERS:

  • Barry Hogan, Nuclear Safety Principal Inspector, Office for Nuclear Regulation
  • Matt Dennis, Data Scientist, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • Kevin Lee, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
  • Ku Young Chung, Korean Institute of Nuclear Safety
Closing Remarks: Unleashing the Power of AI and what’s next?

16:45-17:00

Closing Remarks

These closing remarks will review the key points, action items, and overall outcomes of the event.

SPEAKER: Rumina Velshi, Former Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Registration

This event is organised as an optional workshop at the Fifth International Conference on Generation IV and Small Reactors (G4SR-5) in Ottawa taking place on 1-4 October 2024. To attend this workshop, please register for 'Optional workshop' on the event registration page.

Event registration page